THE COLORADO MAGAZINE Published bl-monthly by

The State Historical Society of Colorado

Vo l. XV II I Denver, Colorado, March, 1941 No. 2

The Opening of the Tabor Grand Opera House, 1881 ELMER S. CROWLEY.

Many playhouses in America have received great acclaim, but few have deserved more recognition that the Tabor Grand Opera House in Denver, Colorado. This historic edifice opened September 5, 1881, and represented one of the finest and best equipped theatres in the United States during the 19th century. For forty years it stood as a theatrical mecca in the west; for ten of those years it re­mained unchahenged as one of the most famous amusemfmt centers west of the Mississippi. Few .American stage celebrities there were who did not tread its boards ;it least once, and many European fa­vorites, including Bernhardt, Janauschek, Modjeska, Salvini, and others, played before Denver audiences and found them good.

It was in the '70s that Mr. H . A. W. Tabor, Colorado's famed silver king, engaged architect W .• T. Edbroolrn of Chicago to draw np plans for the Tabor Block on 16th and Larimer Street. Recog­nizing the excellence of Mr. Edbrooke 's work, Tabor selected him to design the most magnificent amusement palace money could buy­the Tabor Grand Opera House. In the meantime Tabor was looking about for a suitable location on which to build. Finally, in the spring of 1880, his agents, John M. Berkey and Company, arranged for the purchase of the A. B. Daniels property on 16th and Curtis streets. This was done at a coRt of $41,000. Soon after, Mr. Tabor paid $16,000 to H. Z. Salomon for the two lots adjoining the Daniels' site. As soon as transactions were completed the task of tearing down buildings and shrubbery on the newly acquired lots was begun. By May of 1880 the job was finished and excavating work had started. It was then that Mr. Tabor and architect Edbrooke made an extensive tour of the Eastern United States, inspecting the lead­ing theatres of ·the Atlantic Coast; and visiting theatrical managers. Back to Denve:{ they . came, bringing with the~ muc.h .useful in­formation gathere.d from their own observations and th.e e~perience of theatrical- personnel. Mr. Edbrooke and his par,tner, F. P. Burnham, set to work immediately to finish the blue prfots, and by the latter part of February, 1881, the plans were completed for the

•Mr. Crowley took ·his master's degree at the University of Denver in 1940. His thesis, an excellent piece of work, was entitled, "The History of the Tabor Grand Opera House, Denver, Colorado, 1881-1891." He is now teaching. at Rex-burg, Idaho.-Ed. · . · . ·

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$750,000 structure. l\'Ieanwhile the work had been slowly going forward. The sub-structure had already been laid, and the brick­work on the outer walls was rapidly rising, when an unexpected disaster occurred. At four o'clock on the morning of January 13, 1881, the greater part of the north wall fell into the alley with a crash! It seems the vibration, caused hy a high wind during the night, was responsible for toppling the f~eshly laid bricks to the ground. Mr. Edbrooke was in the East at the time, but John W. Roberts, architect in charge, requested that the Mayor appoint a commission to investigate the accident. Said commission submitted a report in great detail, absolving the architect and workmen from all blame, and no further mention was made of the incident. Work proceeded without further interruption until the grand opening September 5, 1881. The loss, due to the fall, was estimated at $5,000 and a set-back of thirty days in construction. Consequently, the building was not entirely completed by the opening night.

The Opera House itself, extending to the full height of five stor­ies, was but a part of the entire Tabor Grand building, and occupied a space 75 feet wide by 150 feet long. Marble columns, resting on pyramidal bases, stood on either side of the arched entrance. These were surmounted by carved capitals bearing leaves, flowers, and emblems of music, and supported the heavy entablature bearing the name, "The Tabor Grand Opera House,'' cut in relief. A smaller entablature higher on the building carried Tabor's name, and the small date block above the grand circular window displayed the numerals 1880. (This date was changed when the building underwent remodeling later.)

In view of the fact that the opening of the new Opera House was an event of great social importance to the citizens of Denver, the question of how to dress for the occasion presented no small problem. 'rhere were those who rebelled against formal attire, and others who welcomed this opportunity to display finery. Much discussion took place, and letters were even written to the papers asking for advice in this very important matter. The day before the great event, the following recommendation appeared in the columns of the News:

. . . Certainly If one wishes and ls able to appear in elegant style, there is nothing to be said against it; indeed fair women In exquisite toilets will add greatly to the scene, but let no one who desires to attend the opera and is able to pay the price of admission be kept away on account of the lack of elegant and expensive clothes. The opera house was not built for the select, but for the people. . . Let Denver's sons and daughters set the whole world a good example in the week already begun, remembering:

"The stamp is but the guinea's rank, A man's a man for a' that.'"

1The Rocky Mountain New8, s .. ptember 4, 1881, p. 3.

THE OPENING OF THE TABOR OPERA HOUSE, 1881 43

The morning after the opera, however, the papers commented on the large number of gentlemen in full dress attire, and stated that the display of elegant toilets must have more than satisfied even the most hypercritical.

About two weeks before the grand opening the Denver Tribune had pointed out to the citizens of Denver the chief differences be­tween an opera and a circus, explaining that the opera cost more because fewer people attended. A plea was then made for the Denverites to turn out "en masse" to support the opera. But ap­parently the plea was unnecessary, as the 1,500 seats were completely sold out before the opening night and crowds even clamored for standing room. Consequently the playgoer was reminded that this was his theatre, and that the popular prices were even more proof that this Opera house was not for the select few. Reserved seats sold for $2 in the Parquette and Dress Circle, $1.50 in the Family Circle, and $1 in the balcony.

In the meantime, Denver was the scene of great activity. 'l'he Rocky Moimtain News was devoting front page space to the an­nouncement of Denver's crowning achievement-the opening of the 'rabor Grand Opera House. Railroads offered excursion rates to per­sons living outside of the city; low rate fares were available from Salt Lake, Kansas City, St. Joseph, Missouri, and intermediate points; and special trains were run for parties of fifty or more from several cities in Colorado, including Boulder, Longmont, Fort Collins, Pu­eblo, and Colorado Springs.

The management had negotiated with many of the great singers and actors, but finally engaged the ''greatest of Prima Donnas, '' Emma Abbott, and her English Opera Company. After a most interesting and thrilling trip across the great prairies the troupe arrived in Denver, Saturday afternoon, September 3. They had left New York August 27. Sunday morning a rehearsal was called for eleven o'clock, but no outsiders, including newspaper reporters, were admitted. The papers stated that Miss Abbott and her cast were scrupulously opposed to Sunday rehearsals, but in this instance it was deemed necessary .

The grand opening found a drizzling rain to greet the first nighters. Almost every carriage in the city was engaged, and shortly after seven o'clock the carriages were drawing up before the grand entrance. Chief of Police Cook and nine of his officers were on the scene to maintain order. The Tribune told of the arriving carriages, how at several times the string of vehicles reached from the entrance to far beyond Curtis Street, with new ones arriving every few minutes. As the first nighters entered the vestibule they ascended a short flight of marble steps and passed through swinging

44 COLORADO MAGAZINE

doors into the rotunda, then directly into the beautifully paneled and decorated foyer. From both sides of the foyer richly carpeted stairways led to the balconies, and artistically carved cherry balus­trades added to the beauty and profusion of color.

The souvenir programs for the evening were tastefully designed on silks and satins of exquisite beauty, and the decorations were

Cour t esy, W estern Collection , D enver Public Library

TABOR GRAND OPERA H OUSE (Inter ior)

printed in color or appliqued on the front. ('l'wo of the originals are now on display in the Colorado State museum, while a third is among the souvenirs in the Baby Doe Tabor Scrapbooks!) The de­mand for these programs proved to be so large that after the opening night the designer, Mr. Kelley, had t o get out a new supply.

2These scrapbooks were compiled by M r. Tabor's second wife, B a by Doe, a ncl are in pos session of the State HlstoriC'a l Soclet,· of l'oloraclo.

THEI OPENING OF THE TABOR OPERA HOUSE, 1881 45

It was shortly after eight o'clock that the immense audience, described as the richest dressed and most stylish ever gathered in the West, filled every seat, and scores were standing along the walls. Interestingly enough, Mr. Tabor's private box was not occupied, though it had been most elaborately trimmed with flowers and dis­played a beautiful floral design bearing his name. Needless to say, Tabor was present.

A stage fully set for a chamber scene greeted the audience as they came in to take their places in the expensively upholstered seats and boxes. What a stir there must have been as these fashion­able first nighters beheld the interior of the theatre with its high girdered ceiling brilliantly designed in gold, maroon, blue, orange, and black; its distinctive proscenium boxes looming up to within twenty feet of the ceiling; its grand chandelier suspended twenty­eight feet from the artistic dome; and the smaller gas fixtures grace­fully styled. Could they fully appreciate the expensive cherry woodwork, the imported tapestries, and the crimson velvet plush seats ~ Surely nothing had been overlooked for the enjoyment and comfort of the patrons.

When everyone was seated the curtain was slowly lowered on the stage, and the audience viewed for the first time the beautiful painting by Robert Hopkin. On it appeared Kingsley's immortal words:

So fleet the works of men, back to the earth again; Ancient and holy things fade like a dream.

The orchestra had scarcely made an appearance when Manager Bush stepped in front of the curtain and announced that Miss Emma Abbott had consented to give the "mad scene" from "Lucia de Lammermoor'' in addition to the opera of '' Maritana.'' This announcement, according to the Tirnes, was received with great applause:

... a moment later wheu the curtain rose, and the stage was set with a superb scene and the large chorus began the familiar airs, the audience again broke out with the heartiest manifestation of delight and appreciation. Upon the entrance of Miss Abbott and Mr. Conly, their receptions were most flattering, being both loud and long.•

Miss Abbott took a bow and was called forth to receive a large and beautiful floral harp. At the close of the "mad scene" the cur­tain was again raised. This time a handsome ebony table occupied the center of the stage, and on it rested a finely bound book and a small casket. The Honorable I. E. Barnum strutted out toward the gas footlights and said: ''If Governor Tabor is in the house will he kindly step upon the stage.'' A few minutes later, the popular

•The Tabor Scrapbooks, clipping from The Times, September 6, 1881.

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Lieutenant Governor, dressed in a full dress suit, walked out before the expectant crowd.

... the audience broke out in a welcome that left no doubt as to where he stood in their estimation and affections. With his native modesty Governor Tabor was evidently surprised at the warmth of his reception, and he blushed like a school girl and bowed his thanks.'

Finally Mr. Barnum raised his hands for silence, and after quieting the enthusiastic throng he addressed both Mr. Tabor and the audience. He eulogized the Lieutenant Governor, who stood all this time in the center of the stage. He called attention to the deco­rations of the private box, and paid tribute to l\Ir. Edbrooke and the decorators, the Sullivan Brothers. Then in behalf of the workmen, he presented Mr. Tabor with a splendid floral ship and an album, and read a poem composed by S. V. Steele, of the Chicago Times, who was there attending the opening.

When fickle Fortune was by Tabor wooed, The Goddess must have been in genial mood, And well disposed to grant the golden hour Which gave him all that wealth can claim as power. But wise as well as generous her mind When she conferred on him the lucky find, Her favors crowned the man who surely would Bestow them freely for the people's good.

"A man's a man," as taught by Bobby Burns, Without much reference to the sum he earns, Whether with millions coined from mountain bed, Or toiling on his hope, with nary a red! It needs no rhyme to tell how frequent seen, The men whom added millions make more mean ; While often known, the gracious tender power Of generous kindness from the manly poor.

Seldom, indeed, that fortune goes with graces To aid the work to help, or please the race. If for exceptions to the rule you ask, Around you look!-for it was Tabor's task. This noble temple of a lofty art, Rests like a jewel in fair Denver's heart, And rich in all that art and wealth can do In its grand beauty, Tabor gives to you.5

The album presented to Tabor, following the reading of the poem, bore the following inscription and names :

With a keen feeling of appreciation for the public spiritedness, noble generosity and kindly sentiments of the large-hearted gentleman who has furnished Denver with an Opera house and the world with an unequalled temple of Art, and at the same time returning thanks for encouragement which was well timed, we, the artisans, through whose efforts the wishes of the project have been carried out, desire to pre-

----'Ibid. •The Denver Republican, September 6, 1881

THE OPENING OF THE TABOR OPERA HOUSE, 1881 47

sent to the Honorable H. A. W. Tabor this album as a simple token of our best wishes and esteem.

Colorado Iron Works F. N. Davis E. Ackroyd Kilpatrick and Brown E. L. Kellogg A. H. Garfield Edbrooke and Burnham J. B. Sullivan and Bros. W. G. Brown

Robert Hopkin Thomas T . Hughes T. W. Stewart George N. Billings Young and Savin A. H. Andrews and Company Richmond Bros., and Farnsworth William Stevens Marshall Field and Company•

Then followed the presentation of the gift made possible by one hundred citizens who had subscribed $5 each. It was a massive watch fob of solid gold, and consisted of three links connected with close fitting ornamental hinges, the whole being pendant from an elegantly designed cross-bar, from which protruded a hand grasping a large ring. This could be attached to a pocket watch. At the other end was suspended a reproduction of an ore bucket filled with gold and silver ore. The various links represented the steps in Tabor's climb to fortune and success. The fob, contained in a casket inlaid with polished specimens of Colorado ore and stone, was an expression of appreciation to Tabor for erecting the opera house. This fob is among the Tabor r elics now owned by the State Historical Society of Colorado.

With the words: "I.iadies and Gentlemen, I present to you to-­night Governor Tabor, '' there broke forth a loud chorus of huzzas. Bowing his acknowledgments, the ''Governor,'' finally securing si­lence, said :

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is sixteen months since I commenced building this opera house. At that time I looked Denver carefully over. I found it a town of great beauty. I found it a city of some 40,000 inhabitants; the finest city of its size on the American continent. It needed an Opera house, and I decided to build one. Here is the opera house. I shall leave it to your judgment. to say whether I have done my duty.7

The ''Governor'' then briefly expressed his thanks for the pres­ents which he prized, he said, ''not for their value, but for the spirit in which they were given.'' Amid another show of plaudits, Tabor and Mr. Barnum withdrew, and without further delay the curtain arose on the first act of "Maritana." At the close of the third act, Miss Abbott, Mr. Castle, and .M:r. Dolmi were honored with two cur­tain calls, and the prima donna was presented with a beautiful floral offering. The papers praised the work of the cast, and The News reported that l\liss Abbott received quite an ovation for a Denver audience, since they were generally too cold and critical to applaud very vehemently.

6 The D enver Trib,,ne, September 6, 1881. 7The D en v er R epltblican, September 6, 1881.

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Carriages lined both sides of Sixteenth Street from Curtis to Arapahoe to return Denver's first nighters to their homes. And so ended the first performance in Denver's historic operatic palace.

Much has been written, much yet remains to be written, but suffice it to say Denver was still a frontier city, and this was one of the first steps towards its development as a center for the fine arts.

Minerals Named for Colorado Men RICHARD M. PEARL*

Colorado is one of the most highly mineralized areas m the world and has produced a large variety of mineral goods. Many ore- and rock-making minerals have consequently had their first dis­covery in this state. Thirty-eight minerals, some found elsewhere, have been named in honor of Colorado persons or places. Everyone is acquainted with gold and silver, copper, lead, and zinc. Only those, however, who have studied the earth sciences, or who are engaged in mining or other occupations dealing with mineral resources, know the original forms-the ores-in which these metals usually occur in nature in Colorado. There are in addition a large number of minerals which when treated do not profitably yield valuable sub­stances, but which are inherent parts of the rocks that constitute the earth's crust.

This article notes those minerals that bear names of Colorado men, giving a brief account of the story behind their discovery and naming. Several of them have already been mentioned in a sentence given to each in the "Do You KnowY" paragraph of Mineral Min­utes, monthly bulletin of the Colorado Mineral Society. The interest expressed in this idea encouraged the writer to complete the list of all such minerals, with the subsequent decision to write the present paper. Miss Mignon Wardell of Denver helped generously with the research. Any additional names will be received with appreciation. A subsequent article dealing with the minerals named for Colorado places is in preparation and will appear soon.

The most important mineral with a Colorado name is pearceite, which in large quantities carried the bulk of the silver in the Mollie Gibson mine at Aspen, Pitkin County, once the most productive silver mine in the state. It was named in 1896 by Samuel L. Penfield after Dr. Richard Pearce of Denver, " whose keen interest in miner­alogy and connection with one of the large smelting and refining

•Mr. Pearl is secretary-treasurer of t he Colorado Mineral Society and mem­ber of the Geology Department, University or <'olorndo. 'l'o our Issue of Novem­ber, 1939, he contributed an article on "Gem llnlng In Colorado."-Ed.

MINERALS NAMED FOR COLORADO MEN 49

works of Colorado have made him known both to scientific men and to those interested in the development of the mining industries of the Rocky Mountain region.' '1 Dr. Pearce was a metallurgist for the Boston and Colorado Smelting Company and second president (1884) of the Colorado Scientific Society. It is interesting to learn that of the twelve men who became charter members of the Colorado Scientific Society at its organization meeting in the rooms of the United States Geological Survey on December 8, 1882, six later had minerals named for them-Pearce, Emmons, Cross, Hillebrand, Beeger, and van Diest. .At the time of the naming, pearceite was not a new mineral; since the first analysis in 1833 it had been recog­nized as an arsenic variety of polybasite. That designation served even during the great days at Aspen, but when beautiful crystals were found in Montana, the distinctive character of the mineral was evident, and a separate name was suggested. Pearceite is a metallic black sulpharsenite of silver.

Lazard Cahn, for whom the mineral cahnite was named, died at Colorado Springs on May 22, 1940. He was recognized as an out­standing crystallographer and an accomplished mineralogist, hav­ing contributed with rare modesty to the advancement of the science, and having served in 1928 as vice-president of the Mineralogical Society of America. Cahnite, a white hydrous boro-arsenate of cal­cium, and an entirely new type of natural chemical compound, was first observed about 1913 in the form of a few crystals in the great zinc deposits at Franklin, New Jersey. Cahn sketched them and gave them to Harvard University, where Professor Charles Palache believed them to represent a new mineral, though there was not enough material for analysis. Palache proposed the name in recog­nition of Cahn 's ''indefatigable efforts to preserve and make known to science the rarer Franklin minerals." 'l'he name appeared in 1921 in the title of a scientific paper2 which was neither read nor printed, but the mineral was rediscovered in moderate abundance in 1926 and was fully described in a published article3 the next year.

Named in 1908 by Fred E. Wright4 "as a token of appreciation of the fundamental researches of Dr. W. F. Hillebrand of the United States Geological Survey in mineralogical chemistry,'' hillebrandite is another of the minerals whose name honors a charter member (and president) of the Colorado Scientific Society. It was not found in Colorado, however, but in the Termeras mine, at Valerdefia, Du­rango, Mexico. Hillebrandite is a hydrous calcium silicate, forming white radiating masses in the contact zone between limestone and diorite.

1The American Journal of Science, ser. 4, II, 17-23 (1896). 2The American Mineralogist, VI, 39 (19 21) . •Ibid., XII, 149-153 (1927). 'The American Journal of Science, ser. 4, XXVI, 545-554 (1908).

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'"l'he Zuni mine on Anvil Mountain, near Silverton, San Juan County, Colorado, has furnished to science two new minerals, one of them being of a remarkably interesting nature.'' This sentence by W. F . Hillebrand in the 1884 Proceedings of the Colorado Scien­tific Society5 announced the discovery of zunyite and gii.itermanite. The latter, occurring with pyrite, and constituting the bluish gray metallic groundmass of the zunyite, is a sulphide of lead and arsenic, and was named after Franklin Guiterman, metallurgist and chemist of Silverton and Denver, who first brought it to light.

In the latter part of 1885, E. R. Warren of Crested Butte sent to the Denver laboratory of the United States Geological Survey some samples of a material known locally as ''mineral wool'' from its matting of needle-like crystals. These came from the Domingo mine on the ridge between Dark Canyon and Baxter Basin in Gun­nison County. Their chemical nature was determined in Denver, but several years passed before they were thoroughly analyzed. In June, 1888, the results were read to the Colorado Scientific Society6

and the discovery of a new mineral was announced, though it was not named until 1890, when it was called warreniite after the man who had first taken an interest in it. Since then, however, warrenite has been shown to be a probable mixture of two other minerals, jamesonite and zinkenite.

The discovery of a new mineral which he named emmonsite in honor of Samuel :B'. Emmons, first president of the Colorado Scien­tific Society and one of America's outstanding geologists, was told by W. F. Hillebrand7 at the meeting of the society at the Arapahoe County (now Denver ) Court House on June 1, 1885. The mineral had been sent by R. C. Hills from an uncertain locality near Tomb­stone, Arizona Territory. Emmonsite is a compound of iron and tellurium, occurring in clear yellow-green scales.

Discovered by Dr. Loni Weiss in his Good Hope mine at Vul­can, Gunnison County, a new mineral of an ''unusual and beauti­ful" purple color was brought to the attention of W. E. Ford8 by T. A. Rickard, for whom in 1903 it was named rickardite. It was the first known copper telluride, and it is still an extremely rare mineral, being found only at Vulcan, in association with native tellurium, native sulphur, pyrite. petzite, and berthierite. Rickard was formerly State Geologist of Colorado and is widely known as a mining editor, author, and lecturer.

While sorting over a sack of tellurium specimens from the same mine in 1927, William P. Crawford9 of Denver noticed one that

•Proceedings of the Colorado Scientific Society, I. 124-129 (1884). 6 The American Joiwnal of Science, ser. 3, XXXVI, 450 (1888). 7Proceedings of the Colorado Scientific Society, II, 20-23 (1885). •The American Journal of Science, ser 4, XY, 69-70 (1903). •Ibid., ser. 5, XIII. 345-346 (1927).

MINERALS NAMED FOR COLORADO MEN 61

resembled petzite but when assayed showed no gold or silver. Analy­sis disclosed that it was a new copper telluride, and it was named weissite after Dr. Loui Weiss, owner of the Good Hope mine. It occurs there in small veins.

About 1874, F. A. Genth received from J. F. L. Schirmer a new gray to black metallic mineral occurring in quartz at the Treasury mine, Geneva district, Clear Creek County. It proved to be a sulphide of silver, bismuth, and lead which Genth10 named schirmerite for the man who had sent it to him. Within a few years it was found elsewhere in Colorado.

In 1881, George A. Koenig11 of the University of Pennsylvania described a new mineral from the Baltic Lode of the Geneva Mining Company near Grant, Park County. He named it beegerite after the donor, Hermann Beeger of Denver, one of the charter members of the Colorado Scientific Society, "in recognition of his services to metallurgy in Colorado.'' Only one specimen of this gray, bril­liantly metallic sulphide of lead and bismuth was known to be in existence for several years, until more were discovered in other Colorado mines and found to contain valuable amounts of silver.12

Sent for examination to Yale University by S. T. Tyson and H. E. Wood, some small crystals from an uncertain Colorado local­ity were found to be new. Some time later Tyson found the place, which was in El Paso County, west of Cheyenne Mountain and near Pikes Peak. In 1880 the mineral was named13 tysonite after the discoverer. It occurs in pale wax-yellow hexagonal crystals and is a ~uorite of the rare cerium metals, lanthanum, didymium, and cerium.

Named for the man who first analyzed it and described14 it in print in 1881, ilesite was discovered on the McDonnell mining prop­erty near MidcUe Swan Creek in Hall Valley, 13 miles from Webster, Park County. Tlrnre it occurred with iron and zinc sulphides, from which it had altered, in veins 2 to 8 inches wide. The samples were sent by William R. Boggs to Dr. Malvern W. Iles, metallurgist of the Grant Smelting Company, Leadville. In October, 1884, W. F. Hillebrand, while in Hall Valley, observed the fresh mineral to be clear green instead of white as previously mentioned, but he found that it lost water and turned white upon exposure to air, suggesting a different chemical formula. 1 5

About thirty years ago a black vanadium-bearing sandstone ----

1•P1·oceedings of the American Philosophical Society, XIV, 230 (1874). 11American Chemical Jotirnal, II, 379 (1881). 12Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, XXII, 211-213 (1885). 13The American Journal of Science, ser. 3, XIX 390-393 (1880). HAme?"ican Chemical Jo1'rnal, III, 420-422 (1881). The Mining Index (Lead­

,·il!e ), November 5, 1881. "'Procee<Ungs of the Colorado Scientific Society. I, 140-141 (1884).

52 COLORADO MAGAZINE

was found high on the southwest wall of Paradox Valley, Montrose County, on the J o Dandy claim of .T. Kent Smith. The finder, R. H. l\IcMillan, called it kentsmithite, and the name has been used locally among miners and prospectors for any material of similar appear­ance.16 The black mineral itself was named vanoxite by Frank L. Hess17 in 1924. 'l'he sandstone is in the McElmo formation, which contains the vast carnotite deposits of Colorado.

Whitman Cross1 8 of the United States Geological Survey de­scribed in 1890 a blue mineral of the amphibole group that he had found as a secondary growth on hornblende and pyrite in Custer County. He placed it temporarily under arfvedsonite. Four years later Charles Palache discovered some blue and yellowish-blue crys­tals in a rock near Berkeley, California. The optical properties proved to be the same as the arfvedsonite of Cross, so he named it crossite. 1n This mineral is somewhat widely distributed along the Coast Ranges of California.

Calling it donghtyit e after the owner of the springs where it was found, William P. Headden20 cautiously announced in 1905 the discovery of a hydrous aluminum sulphate precipitated by the ac­tion of alkaline waters of the Doughty Springs in Delta County. His carefulness is shown by this interesting comment: ''I have some doubts whether this substance is entitled to classification as a mineral species or not, and yet I can see no good reason why it should be less so than alunogen, alum, ferric hydrate, or any other compound, simply because its formation is plainly observable. '' His doubts were unnecessary.

From a claim located for carnotite by J. L. Riland, Meeker newspaper publisher, a new mineral was taken some years ago and sent to Frank L. Hess of the United States National Museum at Washington. Edward P. Henderson, also of the museum, visited the place later, and in petrified logs the mineral was again found. Much to their surprise, the scientists discovered that it contained almost half chromium oxide, far more than a black mineral of the weathered zone should. They named21 it rilandite after the owner of the claim. The locality is in Rio Blanco County, a little over 13 miles east of Meeker and somewhat north.

A new mineral from Leadville, Lake County, was recorded in 1913 with the finding of a variety of aragonite having as much as 10 per cent zinc. G. Montague Butler22 named it nicholsonite after

lJJThe Mineralogical Magazine, XX, 457 (1 92 5 ). 11united States Geological Snrvey Bulletin 750-D. 63- 67 (1924 ) . lBThe American Journal of Scien ce, ser . 3, XXXTX, 35 9-370 (189 0 ) . lJlBulletin of Geology, University of Callf orni11, I. 181-192 (1894) . "'Proceedings of the Colorado Scientific Flocle t 11. V III, 66 - 67 (1905) . lllThe American Mineralogist, XVIII. 1 na-2n5 11933) . 22Economic Geology, VIII, 1-18 (1913)

THE FOUNDING AND EARLY YEARS OF EATON, COLORADO 53

S. D. Nicholson of the Western Mining Company, who had brought it to his attention. Found with oxidized iron-manganese ores, it is like aragonite except for its greater density, brighter luster, and better cleavage.

At the close of the past century a new mineral was found in the Hamilton and Little Gerald mines at an altitude of 13,000 feet on the side of Sierra Blanca. It was discovered by Peter H. van Diest, director of the Lead Mining Company, San Luis, and presi­dent in 1887 of the Colorado Scientific Society. A specimen was sent to Cumenge in Paris, who announced23 the mineral under the name "VonDiestite" at a meeting of the I~'rench Society of Mineral­ogy on March 16, 1899. 'I'he equivalent spelling in English appears as '' von Diestite,'' but the correct spelling of the preposition is obviously ''van,'' as that is the way ::\Ir. van Diest, who was born in Holland, spelled his name. The preferred mineral name, it seems, ought. therefore, to be vandiestite, and it applies to a klluride of silver and bismuth, containing also some gold and lead, occurring in metallic threads associated with copper minerals and gold-bearing pyrite.

'l'he most recent mineral name of Colorado significance is overite, which dates from December, 1938. It honors Edwin Over, well-known prospector and collector of Colorado Springs. Overite was briefly mentioned24 in 1930, but not enough material was avail­able for adequate analysis, so the mineral remained unnamed. Several years later, Over and Arthur Montgomery of New York came across it at Fairfield, Utah, recognized it as new, and collected enough for study. An abstract25 appeared in 1938, and the complete clescription26 followed in l\iay, 1940. Overite occurs in pale green and colorless glassy prismatic crystals, in cavities in nodules of variscite.

The Founding and Early Years of Eaton, Colorado p AULINE ALLISON*

'l'ales of Colorado's fabulous gold resources were luring a tide of adventurous pioneers to the Centennial state in 1858. Among them was a native of Ohio and Iowa school teacher-Benjamin H. Eaton-who was one day to become governor of the state whose undeveloped territory challenged his energies.

Beneath the predominant cactus of the eastern Colorado prairie 23Bulletin d e la Societe Francaise d e M i neralogie, XXII, N o. 3, 25-26 (1899) . "'The Amei·ican Minernloctst, XV, 307-337 (1930). "'Ibid., XXllI, No. 12, pt. 2, 9 (1938). C'6fbid., XXV, 315-320 ( 1,40) . *This story was prepared by Miss Pauline Allison of the Eaton Herald.-Ed.

54 COLORADO MAGAZINE

was a wealth of agricultural resources, awaiting the foresight and vision of the Iowa school teacher to utilize the productive soil and create thereby'' the hub of the universe,'' as Mr. Eaton was pleased to call the town that he founded and which now bears his name. Much of Colorado was unproductive at that early time, and great numbers who came to its territory were bent on but one purpose, to free the great deposits of gold from the bosom of the earth.

Mr. Eaton first located in southern Colorado, where he engaged in mining and agricultural pursuits, later settling on the Maxwell Land Grant. Subsequently he moved north to the hustling town of Denver. He encountered James I-Iill, and the two men sluice-mined for a time on Clear Creek, near Denver.

But Benjamin H. Eaton was not born to be a miner. While other Colorado pioneers lifte<l their eyes to the hills and told each other expectantly, "There's gold in them thar hills," Ben Eaton rested his eyes upon the vast stretches of prairie land and in his heart told himself that his gold lay there beneath the cactus. It was through Benjamin Eaton's foresight, more than that of anyone else, that the advancement of agriculture in northern Colorado, through irrigation, was due. He pushed forward with unswerving determination the gigantic program.

He was the moving force in initiating work on the Eaton Canal, later known as the Larimer and Weld Canal. He had purchased a liberal amount of the railroad land and, knowing that irrigation was necessary to make the land of material value for farming, lost little time in starting operations. All he had in the way of :financing the project was $2,500, a granary full of oats and a copious supply of hay. His own mules, which he purchased on time, were used for scraping the ditch, a task accomplished with a No. 2 scraper, requir­ing a man and a team to operate.

The Eaton Canal was surveyed in 1878 by the state engineer, E. S. Kettleton of Denver, one of the most accomplished irrigation engineers of the West. At the same time, Mr. Eaton had Nettleton survey the 50,000 acres of land under the canal, including the ground on which he planned that a town should be built. In 1879 a company was formed to incorporate the irrigation canal under the name, Larimer and Weld Irrigation Company. The first board of directors was com posed of .James Duff (chairman), Joseph Hyde Sparks, Benjamin H. Eaton, Thomas B. Dunbar and Aaron J. Eaton.

With the inauguration of irrigation in the Eaton vicinity, the influx of settlers began. The first residents were men who were employed in building the great dikh and whose homes were within

THE FOUNDING AND EARLY YEARS OF EATON, COLORADO 55

the large tent encampment that B. H. Eaton established on the town site. Some of them were cowboys, in this region that before the advent of farming was a great cattle grazing country. The com­pletion of the canal at the beginning of the 1880 decade brought the farmer.

The pioneer farmer did not always come alone. Often there was by his side a fair bride, who had courageously and willingly

GOVERNOR BENJAMIN H. EATON

left the protection of the cultivated fields and cultured people of the East and journeyed into the West, to become a pioneer.

With the unquenchable enthusiasm that only the pioneer could manifest, those first settlers of Eaton worked in the virgin fields and talked of the town that was to be built, sixty miles north of the capital city, on the line of the Union Pacific railroad. They toiled on, until Eaton in name became Eaton in actuality; until in place of miles and miles of cactus there developed a thriving agricultural region, with a well-built town as the center of activity.

Eaton was first christened Eatonton, to avoid conflict with the Easton postoffice in El Paso County. When Easton was changed to Eastonville, the last syllable of Eatonton was dropped, and the town has since borne the name of its founder, Eaton. But for four

56 COLORADO MAGAZINE

years it was a town in name only, with nothing but stakes indicating the location of streets.

With the beginnings of irrigation and the consequent promise of an agricultural region, the land was slowly settled. From across the ocean and from the safer and more thickly settled regions of the East they came. Some of them established homesteads, others took up tree claims and with the planting of these monarchs of the coun­tryside helped to anchor the prairie soil and slowly conquer the blinding dust storms that characterized Eaton in its dust bowl days.

\Vheat was raised chiefly in the pioneer stage of farming in this territory, but much corn, oats and barley were likewise grown. Potatoes, which later became one of the most important crops of the territory, were not grown on an extensive scale until after the pro­gressive step of reservoir construction had been started in 1890. Fifty sacks to the acre was a creditable yield in pre-reservoir days.

Heralding the arrival of Eaton's first substantial settlers was the little whitr schoolhouse, built by popular subscription in 1881 by a handful of sturdy pioneers. 'l'he building stood on Eaton's cactus-filled main street. In the same year the first house within the town limits was constructed by B. H. Eaton for one of his tenants.

Increased settlement meant increased opportunity for business, and in 1882 the town's first commercial enterprise was housed within a 16x24-foot building, erected by B. II. Eaton's son, A. J. Eaton, who thus earned for himself the sobriquet, ''Father of Commerce in Eaton." It was a general store and postoffice and was welcomed with enthusiasm by the settlers, who had been forced to make an hour's drive into Greeley and back when they wanted to mail a letter or buy groceries.

The first little store erected by A. J. Eaton started B. H. Eaton's dream of a town toward fulfillment. The diminutive busi­ness house, however, was designed as only a temporary abode for the initial commercial enterprise, to provide the necessary daily commodities for the farmer-settlers round about, until a more com­modious structure could be built and the stock of merchandise in­creased. That more commodious building, which became the center of business life in Eaton, is the present Big Store block, one of the oldest landmarks in the town. B. H. Eaton financed its construc­tion, and with its completion in 1883, the stock of merchandise of A. J. Eaton and Jim Hill was enlarged and moved into the block.

An enterprise that gave promise in itself that it would expand the size of the town and aid in its progress was the Eaton Flour Mill, which brought industrial significance to the town with its erection in 1883-84. The mill began grinding wheat in early December of

THE FOUNDING AND EARLY YEARS OF EATON, COLORADO 57

1884, and ran twenty-four hours daily. Again it was B. H. Eaton, motivating force in a majority of the progressive strides in the early history of the town, who built the mill. It operated under the firm name of B. H. Eaton and Company until 1888, when the owner sold out to the Eaton Milling and Elevator Company.

Within three years from the time the first little schoolhouse was built at Eaton, the enrollment had so increased that a larger build­ing was necessary. Although the citizens were all agreed that another building should be erected, they were divided as to the size it should be. Some maintained that a building of two rooms would be adequate, while others, chief among whom was Governor Eaton, stood firm in their demands for a larger building. The latter group won, and the contract for construction was signed August 12, 1884. As the two-story building grew in height, some persons shook their heads and said : '''!'here will never be enough children in these parts to fill it."

The 1880 decade belonged to the pioneers. It was a decade of dugout homes and cattle invasions, of oppressive dust storms, death­dealing blizzards. It was a decade that saw wheat as a fundamental crop, with quantities of corn, oats and barley also raised. It wit­nessed the first efforts at irrigation on the prairie soil of Eaton, the initial planting of potatoes in small acreages. In this period alfal­fa's importance in crop rotation was recognized, the start toward transformation of the prairie from wide vistas of treeless desert country to beautiful oases of tree claims was made; trees were planted on streets that were then without houses. It saw the nucleus of education in the small village lodged in a diminutive white school­house and soon thereafter in a larger white schoolhouse; the begin­ning of business enterprise in Eaton, erection of its Big Store block, the flour mill, potato warehouse (also built by Governor Eaton). In the early part of that decade, dugout homes, inexpensive though neat, were more predominant than houses built above ground.

The 1890 decade brought the ''old timers,'' who added their initiative and enterprise to strengthen the framework of the town. And with that decade came the building of Eaton's first church in 1890, the establishment of a town organ, the Eaton HeraJ,d, in 1894, to sing out its praise through the continent and attract people from other sections to its territory. It brought with it town incorporation and organization. To the farmers, sustaining life of the community, the 1890 decade ushered in more satisfactory irrigation through construction of reservoirs. This, again, was largely through Gover­nor Eaton's initiative. 'l'he social life of the community was organ­ized in the birth of Eaton's first club, the Woman's club, its first lodge, Woodmen of the \Vorld, with other lodges organized subse­quently in the same decade. The first bank, State Bank of Eaton,

58 COLORADO MAGAZINE

was established, the bleak prairie gave place to an increased number of business houses and residence structures. Installation of tele­phone service in the town in 1894 connected it with the outside world. A high school course was added to the educational system in 1896. It was a decade of build-up, looking forward confidently to the more progressive decades to come.

Eaton's incorporation in 1892 was promoted through its basic principle of temperance. Governor Eaton was a "dry" and had incorporated an anti-liquor-sales clause in all deeds to the large land holdings he controlled, but the scene of the act instigating town incorporation was an eighty-acre section not under his control. On this section, in 1892, a saloon opened for business. Unincorporated, the pioneer residents were powerless under the law to act against the establishment of the house. Incorporation promised not only police protection but the right of the town, as a body, to prohibit gambling and the sale of liquor within a mile of its limits. So strong was sentiment in Eaton against intemperance that the obnoxious saloon proved to be the deciding factor in galvanizing the citizens into action toward incorporating their town.

Eaton's incorporation was effected October 27, 1892. Its first mayor was John A. Goodan, pioneer of 1882 and the first editor and publisher of the Eaton Herald. The first ordinances of the newly incorporated town were" dry" and had jurisdiction in these matters for a mile beyond the town limits. 'l'he marshal's first duty was to rid the town and the nearby territory of the saloon. At the time of its incorporation, Eaton had the clistinction of being the second largest shipping point in the county.

But though the 1890 decade had seen a pronounced growth, it was the 1900 decade that made that growth an assurity. Because the 1900 decade ushered in the sugar beet industry with its factory lo­cated at Eaton, and gave birth in 1905 to the Potato Growers Company, a major concern. In that decade Eaton was changed from a village with an ambition , to a town "·ith certain inalienable claims.

Eaton's beet factory was established in 1902, a year after the possibilities of such an industry had been brought to the attention of its enterprising residents . At a meeting in B. II. Eaton's office, January 21, 1901, when C. M. Cox, factory r epresentative and pro­moter, discussed beet sugar factories, B. II. Eaton announced he would donate the land for the factory site. ~Ir. Cox gave assurance of financial aid, and the future of Eaton 's sugar beet industry was placed in the hands of the farmers for subscribing the allotted acre­ages. Week by week the pledges came in , and with the growers' cooperation an assurity, ground for thr faC'tory was surveyed April 30, 1901. On October 15, 1902, th r first load of beets was hauled

PLACE NAMES IN COLORADO (G) 59

to the Eaton sugar factory by W. R. Clark. Then, at 7 o'clock on the morning of October 22, 1902, the big whistle at the factory gave a long blast, and a few seconds later the engines were turned on, and the mass of intricate machinery started turning out profits that created a boom era and boosted the town to its present size.

Sharing in that prosperity era were the pioneers who could remember the starvation that sometimes stared them in the face in the days when they were trying to reclaim the virgin soil from cactus. At times they had been forced to dig the potatoes they had planted for seed in order to have food. Meat they always had aplenty in those days, since there were antelope on the plains; but meat was sometimes the only item of diet.

'l'he early settlers cl id not expect an easy life in the new coun­try. They did not have it. Yet, always there was in their hearts the promise of a future eivilization in the wild region they were developing. The foundation structure of that civilization they brought with them. ·with a devotedness to their cause, they built upon it until the time came when they could applaud with a feeling of accomplishment the efforts they had put forth and which had built a town and farming community of which they were justly proud.

Place Names in Colorado ( G) Galatea (30 population), Kiowa County, a small farming com­

munity, is thought to have been named for the heroine of Cervantes' novel, Saevedra .. 1

Galena, Fremont County ghost town, founded in 1879 or 1880,2

was probably named for galena ore (native lead sulphate), found in great quantities in this region. In a few months after its found­ing, it bad several stores, a post office, an assay office, a hotel, and a population of two or three hundred. 3

Galeton (200 population ), Weld County, was founded in 1909. One version for its origin states that it was platted by a rancher named J. :M:usberger, and called Zita.4 A second version gives the original name as Zieda, honoring the daughter of an early settler named Hutchinson. 5 The Union Pacific Railroad constructed a branch at this place, and in 1910 chose Gale as the name for the

10lga Koehler, "Place Names in Colorado,"' M.A. thesis at the University of Denver, 1930.

'Denver Tdbune, April 8, 1880. • /bid., May 20, 1880. •Greeley T1-ib1me, August 25, 1910. •Letter to Colorado Writers' Project in 1937, from Elmer Carlson, Superin­

tendent of Schools, Galeton, Colorado.

60 COLORADO MAGAZINE

station. After confusion in mail shipments with the town of Gill, a few miles away, the name was changed to Galeton.6

Gallinas (10 population), Las Animas County, is a section sta­tion on the Santa Fe Railway in a coal-mining country. The pres­ence of many wild turkeys in the vicinity in early days may have given the place its name, a Spanish word meaning ''hens.' '7

Gantt's Fort, Pueblo County, was built in 1832 by Gantt and Blackwell as a trading post. 'l'his short-lived establishment was located about five miles east of the mouth of Fountain Creek on the north bank of the Arkansas River. 8

Garcia (325 population), Costilla County, was first called Man­zanares. The first settlers were a number of interrelated families by the name of Garcia, who named their post office Los Garcias, or "The Garcias." The "Los" and final "s" have been dropped, leav­ing the present name. The town, once part of Costilla, New Mexico, is built in a fort-like formation around a large plaza.9

Garden City (87 population"''), Weld County, on the southern edge of Greeley, first attempted incorporation October 17, 1935. The incorporation was resisted by the citizens of Greeley because liquor was sold in Garden City. The laws of Greeley prohibit the sale of intoxicants, and her people asserted that the sole purpose of the incorporation of the new town was to defeat this prohibition by providing a near-by supply. Two attempts to incorporate were defeated, but on August 14, 1936, Garden City finally emerged tri­umphant.10 The name may have been suggested by the nickname of Greeley, "the Garden City of the v,~ est. " 11

Gardner (125 population), Huerfano County. In 1872, Herbert Gardner, son of Henry J. Gardner, former governor of Massachu­setts, started ranching in the Huerfano Valley. The town was named for the Gardner family. 12

Garfield ( 4 population ). Chaffee County, was founded as J unc­tion City on August 15, 1883, and the town plat was filed in Novem­ber of that year.13 The name was later changed by the Postal De-

•Greeley T1'ibttne, August 25, 1910. 7Letter to Colorado Writers' Project in 1938, from M. L. Lyles, official of the

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. •Colorado Magazine, IX, 50-51. •Letter to Colorado Writers' Project in 1938, from Elento Medina, Superin­

tendent of Schools, Costilla County. lDJnformat!on to State Historical Society o! Colorado, from the office of the

Colorado Secretary of State. An asterisk ( •) following the population figure indicates that the data is from the 1940 census.

nJnformation to Colorado Writers' Project In 1939, from George A. Hodgson, Curator of Meeker Museum, Greeley, Colorado, hy Donald L. White, field writer.

12Alvin T. Steine!, History of Agriculture In f'n/orado (Fort Collins: College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, Fort Collins, 1926), 523.

"Frank Hall , H;story of the State of Colorado , !\', 80.

PLACE NAMES IN COLORADO (G) 61

partment, in honor of President Garfield, to clear up mail confusion with another Junction City.14

Garland City, Costilla County ghost town, was organized in 1877 as the terminal of the San Juan branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Wes tern Railroad. In less than two weeks, the place boasted 105 buildings. It was six miles northeast of Fort Garland, and was undoubtedly named for the military post, 1 5 which had been named for Brigadier General John Garland, commander of the district in 1858.16 After the railroad terminal was moved to Alamosa, Garland City was abandoned and its post office discontinued on June 29, 1878.1 7

Garo (36 population), Park County, was founded in 1863 by Adolph Guiraud, who became one of the first sheepmen in the state. Guiraud was born in France in 1823, and came to America in 1850. He emigrated to Colorado in the early 1860s, dying in 1875. The town was named for Guiraud, a phonetic spelling of the French name resulting in the present Garo.18

Gateway ( 65 population), Mesa County. The name Gateway was submitted with an application for a post office, and was consid­ered appropriate because of the location of the community at the "gateway" of the Old Ute Trail into the mountainous country to the southwest and northeast. The post office was established more than thirty-five years ago. rn

Gault, Weld County, a small service station and store, was at one time a poi;;t office. It was named for James Gault, who home­steaded here in the 1890s, and taught the local school. 20

Gebhard, Elbert County, was originally the 'fwo-Circle-Bar ranch near the station of Agate on the Union Pacific Railroad. Its name came from the owner, Henry Gebhart. 21 In some manner the final '' t'' became a '' d. '' In April, 1882, the name was changed from Gebhard to Agate.22

Genoa (214 population~'), Lincoln County, was founded in 1888 when the Rock Island Railway first laid tracks through here, but it was not incorporated until 1905.23 The station was first

"Information to State Historical Society of Colorado, January 24, 1935, from Mrs. Margaret Burton, Postmistress, Garfield, Colorado.

'"State Historical Society of Colorado, Pamphlet 979.8, No. 55. 16Colorado Magazine, VII, 243. l1Denver Daily Tribune, July 4, 1878. IBMaria Davies McGrath, "The Real Pioneers of Colorado" (Ms. volume in

library of State Historical Society of Colorado), II, 99-100. i•Letter to State Historical Society of Colorado, February 2, 1935, from W. R.

Buchanan, Postmaster, Gateway, Colorado. "'Information to Colorado WritPrs' Project in 1939, from A. D. Wirkstrom,

Greeley, Colorado. naolorado Magazine, V, 181. ""Denver Tribune, May 4, 1882. 23"Gazetteer of Cities and Towns of Colorado," Year Book of the State o'

a 0 l or ado' 1981-1938.

62 COLORADO MAGAZINE

called Creech, for one of the contractors who built the railroad; later, it was named Cable, for R. R. Cable, president of the Rock Island Lines. The origin of the present name is not known; it is presumed that it was named for Genoa, Italy. 24

Georgetown (391 population':1<), seat of Clear Creek County. After the discovery of gold here in 1859 by the Griffith brothers, David and George, two camps developed only a half-mile apart. One was clubbed Georgetown, for George Griffith, and the other Elizabethtown, for a sister of the Griffiths. In a public meeting held in 1867, the two camps were united under the present name. Georgetown was incorporated January 10, 1868.25

Georgia Bar was a placer mining community a few miles west of Granite near the county lines of what is now Lake and Chaffoe counties. In 1860 or 1861 a group of people from Georgia discov­ered the placer grounds, or bar, and established claims, naming the place for their native state. In the winter of 1861, they returned to Georgia.26

Gibson (23 population), Saguache County, is a railroad siding on the Denver & Rio Grande \V estern Railroad. It was established about 1912, on the site of a former town called Dune, an early settle­ment that had long since vanished. Gibson's birth was the result of the drainage systems being constructed in this part of the San Luis Valley.27

Gilcrest (352 population*), Weld County, was originally a sidetrack and beet clump called Nantz or Nantes. W. K. Gilcrest bought large amounts of land here and organized a bank. He named the town Gilcrest in honor of his father, who was owner of a chain of lumber yards in Des Moines, Iowa, and who furnished financial backing for the venture.28

Gill (350 population), Weld County, was begun in the early 1900s, when William H. Gill, president of the Gill-Deckers Improve­ment Company, and his partner sold 73 acres of land to the Union Pacific Railroad, which built a depot here and named the prospec­tive town for Mr. Gill. 20 A plat of the town was filed April 8, 1909.30

"'Information to State Historical Society of Colorado from Senator John p Dickinson, January 17, 1936, Hugo, Colorado. ·

""H. H. Bancroft. History of Nevada, Coloi·ado, and. Wyoming (San Francisco: The History Company, Publishers, 1890), 690-91.

2<1Rocky Mountain News, November 14, 1861. ..,Idaho Springs Clear Creek Miner, May 4, 1912. 28Information to Colorado Writers' Project in 1939, from Margaret DeVotie

Gilcrest, Colorado. ' ""Information to State Historical Society o f Colorado, January 8 1936 from

William H. Gill, Greeley, Colorado. ' ' Colo~;g~~rmation to Colorado Writers' Projec t in 1938, from Ira Sides, Greeley,

PLACE NAMES IN COLORADO (G) 63

Gillett (10 population), Teller County, near Cripple Creek, was established about 1893.31 It had 41 assay offices and 91 attor­neys during the boom days. 32 The ruins of a large reduction works are all that remain today. Gillett, named for one of its early settlers, has the distinction of being the only town in the United States ever to stage a professional bull fight. One "Arizona Charlie" Wolf imported 1\lexican bulls and fighters; authorities stopped the affair after one bull had been killed. 33

Gilman (225 population), Eagle County, once the largest town in the county, was founded in 1886 under the name of Clinton. 34

The original mining camp grew from the overflow of silver-seekers from Leadville. At various times Gilman seems to have been called Battle Mountain3 5 and Rock Creek. The present name honors H. M. Gilman, a prominent mine owner. 3 c

Glade Park ( 150 population), Mesa County, was settled in 1910 by Mrs. Jennie France. The top of adjacent Pinon Mesa opens into a large, flat park, heavily wooded, hence the name. 37

Gladst(Jrte (3 population), San Juan County, was the rail head of a spur-line called the Silverton-Northern, running from Silverton in 1899. The famous Gold King Mine was near the town. Gladstone was named in honor of the noted British Prime Minister.38

Glenwood Sp1·ings (2,253 population*), Garfield County, was settled in 1882 by Isaac Cooper, who, as president of the Defiance Town and Land Company, purchased the land from James M. Lan­dis. Landis was a squatter who had come here in 1879, while Gar­field County was still a part of the Ute Reservation.39 The town was £.rst called Defiance, but in 1883 the name was changed to Glenwood Hot Springs (later shortened to its present form) for Glenwood, Iowa, and for the mineral springs in this vicinity. It was incorpo­rated in 1885.40

Golden (3,175 population*), seat of Jefferson County. In the fall of 1858, Thomas L. Golden, in company with Jam es Saunders and George \V. Jackson, established a temporary camp near the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon. They took some preliminary steps

31Denver Times, December 31, l 895. "Ibid.; April 10, 1896. 33Denver Times, December 31, 1895. ••Frank Hall, History of the State of Colorado, IV, 125. 35Letter to Colorado Writers' Project in 1936, from Mrs. J. R. Thomson,

Salida, Colorado. Colo~id';;.ter to Colorado Writers' Project in 1936, from John J. Doyle, Gilman,

37lnformation to the Colorado Writers' Project in 1936, from Mrs. Vernon Burlison, Glade Park, Colorado.

ssouray Times, July 6, 1878. 39State Historical Society of Colorado, Pamphlet 347, No. 7. ••Colorado .3!agazine, IX, 176.

64 COLORADO MAGAZINE

toward laying out a townsite, but the city was actually established by the Boston Company, headed by George West, in June, 1859. The new town was named in honor of Tom Golden.41 From 1862 to 1867 it was the capital o.f Colorado.42 A part of the original 1859 plat was filed December 2, 1863, and the town was incorporated .January 2, 1871.4 3

Golden Gate, .Jefl'erson County, of which no trace now remains, was founded in 1859 by the Golden Gate 'fown Company, which donated free lots during the wint0r months to all who would improve them.44 The town was named for Tom Golden, who first laid out the site.45 It was located at the mouth of Golden Gate Canyon (Eight Mile Canyon). The diversion of travel through Clear Creek Can­yon, first by wagon road and then by rail, drew the inhabitants to Golden and caused the abandonment of Golden Gate.46

Goldfield (195 population*), Teller County, was incorporated April 8, 1895, with John Easter as mayor. It lies at the foot of Bull Hill and Battle Mountain, and received its name from the extremely rich gold properties discovered on the townsite. At one time Goldfield had a population of more than 3,000.47

Goldhill ( 50 population), Boulder County, was the earliest settled mining camp in the county. It was named for the hill upon which it is built, where both placer and lode gold were discovered in 1859.48 By 1860, there were a dozen mills here and the population was 1,500.49 In the fall of that year, however, the 'town was de­stroyed by a forest fire, the people being driven to seek safety deep in the mines. When the Horsfal surface dirts-named for David Horsfal, the discoverer- were exhausted, the town became practi­cally deserted. In 1812, tellurium ore was found here and Goldhill again came to life. 50 'fo day it is a summer resort.

Goodnight, Pueblo County, was founded in 1874, and named for Charles Goodnight, who established his cattle ranch here in 1869.51

Goodpast1ire, Pueblo County, a small hamlet in a ranching and 41 Frank Hall, History of the State of Golorculo, III, 500, 504-5. "See the Colorado Session Laws. '"State Historical Society of Colorado, Pamphlet 354. Ko. 31. "Rocky llloimtain News. August 29, 1860. ••Miners' Register, October 24, 1862. '°State Historical Society of Colorado, Pamphlt"t 978.8. No. 236. "Denver Ti.mes, December 31, 1895. ••History of Clear Creek and Boulcle1· Valleys (0. L. Baskin & Company, Pub­

lisher, 1880), 382. ••William Byers, Encyclopedia of Colorado, I, 4~

'"History of Clear Creek and Boulder Valleys (0. L. Baskin & Company, Pub­lisher, 1880), 425.

"From interview made at Goodnight Ranch !Jy Raymond Craig, field writer, Colorado "\Vriters' Project. Pueblo, Coloraclo, 1936.

PLACE NAMES IN COLORADO (G) 65

stock-raising community, was named by the Federal Government for a Mr. Goodpasture, who petitioned for a post office.52

Goodrich (50 population) , Morgan County. The Union Pa­cific Railroad built a spur here in 1882, about the time the Weldon Valley Ditch was completed.;;3 'l'he Riverside Lumber Company, with Warner Coontz, president, laid out the present town on July 20, 1911, and the town was platted:H 'l'he spur was named Goodrich, for Mr. G. T. Goodrich, a Morgan County pioneer, who was a mem­ber of the first Board of County Commissioners. 55

Goodview (30 population), Boulder County, is a small com­munity east of Boulder. The hill at Goodview offers an exception­ally fine vie"· of the mountains. ~iving the community its name.56

Gordon (81 population), Huerfano County, is the site of the Gordon Mine .Xo. 19, owned and operated by the Gordon Coal Com­pany. A man named Gordon opened the mine; the settlement was named for the mine. 57

Gorham (91 population), Boulder County, was originally called Marshall, for Joseph ::\I. Marshall , earl~' operator of the near-by Gorham Mine; the railroad name for the village is still Marshall. The post office name honors Austin G. Gorham, an engineer, who came to Colorado from Kew York. 58

Gothic, Gunnison County ghost town, once a gold and silver mining camp of several hundred population, 59 is the location of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, a corporation organized for independent, advanced, or graduate students of biology.6° Founded in 1879 by Samuel Wail,61 the town was incorporated as Gothic City on July 17, 1879.62 It was probably named for Gothic :Mountain, at the foot of which it lies; the mountain was so named because its crest suggested a Gothic-styled building.63

Goitld (200 population), Jackson County, a lumbering town

••Information to Colorado Writers' Project in 1940, from Edith 0. Townsend, Beulah, Colorado.

63Information to Colorado Writers' Project in 1937, from R. Cecil Montgom­ery, Superintendent of Schools, Goodrich. Colorado, and from Emma Putnam Reed, "old timer" of the vicinity.

MRecords of County Clerk's Office, Morgan County, Fort Morgan, Colorado. r.sJnformation to Colorado Writers' Project in 1937, from R. Cecil Montgomery,

Superintendent of Schools, Goodrich, Colorado, and from Emma Putnam Reed. "'Information from John R. Thompson, Colorado Writers' Project, 1941. •'Information to Colorado Writers' Project in 1937, from Mrs. Tibbet, Coal

Mine Inspector's Office, and Tom Allen, State Coal Mine Inspector. 58Information to Colorado Writers' Project in 1937, from N. C. Brooks, Coal

Producers' Association. 59Rocky j).fountain News, September 17, 1879. "°"Ninth Annual Announcement of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory,

1936" (a folder of the U. S. Forest Service). • 1 Jnformation to State Historical Society from J. V. Leighou, Supervisor, Gun­

nison National Forest. ••Frank Hall, History of the State of Colorado, IV, 151. MDenver Tribune, July 14, 1881.

66 COLORADO MAGAZINE

settled in 1936 by employees of the Michigan River Timber Com­pany, was named for Edward B. Gould, who settled on a homestead in 1898 and whose property part of the camp occupies.64

Granada (342 population*), Prowers County, was created by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway when the line was ex­tended to this point.65 A post office was established in August, 1873. 66 After the rail head pushed on to La Junta, the town was moved to its present location (1876); originally it had been at the mouth of Granada Creek, for which it was probably named.67

Granby (251 population*), Grand County, a shipping point for head lettuce, was incorporated December 11, 1905,68 and was named for the late Granby Hillyer, Denver attorney.69

Grand City, Grand County. The site was selected and named in May, 1861, by Captain E. L. Berthoud and his party while trying to find an easy pass across the Rocky Mountains. They marked out a town, including the hot springs, organized a district, appointed a recorder, and laid the foundations for three cabins. 70 This was a projected town on the site of Hot Sulphur Springs that never ma­terialized.

Grand Jiinction (12,4·79 population*), seat of Mesa County. In 1881, under a treaty with the Ute Indians, Grand Valley was de­clared public land. At 5 o'clock on the morning of September 4, 1881, the signal was given to the waiting horde of settlers to enter the area and claim land. On Septemher 26, a town company, beaded by ''Governor'' George A. Crawford, a former Kansas man who had helped establish and build Fort Scott in that state, selected a site on the north side of the Grand (later Colorado) River. One of the first activities of these early settlers was the construction of an irrigation ditch, completed in 1882.71 The community was called Ute; also West Denver ;72 but on November 5, 1881, Grand Junction was for­mally adopted as the name of the settlement, because of its location at the junction of the Gunnison and Grand Rivers. 73 In May, 1882, the post office name was changed from Ute to Grand Junction,74 and

64Information to Colorado Writers' Project in 1938, from Mildred P. Kennedy, Gould, Colorado.

"'State Historical Society of Colorado, Pamphlet 355, No. 29. ""Rocky Monntain News, August 16, 1873. 67Frank Hall, History of the State of Colorado, IV, 282. 68"Gazetteer of Cities and Towns of Colorado," Year Book of the State of

Colorado, 1931-1938. . ••Information to State Historical Society of Colorado in 1935, from Mrs. O. M.

Smder, Secretary Women's Club, Granby, Colorado. 1•cozorado Magazine, X, l 92. TlJbid., VI, 39-46. 72Information to Colorado Writers' Project in 1938, from Charles A Sommers

field writer, Grand Junction, Colorado. · ' 7llColorado Magazine, VI, 40. "Denver Tribiine, June 2, 1882.

PLACE NAMES IN COLORADO (G) 67

on July 22, the town was incorporated. A patent, validating land titles, was not received until February, 1890.75

Grand Lake (200 population), Grand County, is a popular summer resort on the shore of Grand Lake, largest natural body of water in Colorado, for which it is named. 76 The town was founded as a mining settlement in 1879 by the Grand Lake Town and Im­provement Company, made up of Kentuckians; a post office was established here in the same year. 77 In 1881, Grand Lake wrested the county seat from Hot Sulphur Springs, but a short time later the seat was moved back to the rival town. 78

Grand Valley ( 230 population*), Garfield County, on Para­chute Creek, was settled in 1886 by J. B. Hulbert and M. H. Street. F. W. Popple is said to have named the village for the valley of the Grand (now Colorado) River. 79 The place was first known as Para­chute, for the creek. 80

Granite ( 50 population), Chaffee County, an old gold-mining camp, dates from the late 1860s; it was surveyed in 1876 by W. H. Bradt, and recorded February 17, 1883.81 The town was probably named for the barren, rocky granite outcroppings in the vicinity. In 1868, it was declared the seat of Lake County; and in 1879, after the formation of Chaffee County, it was chosen as temporary seat for the new county. 82

Graymount, Clear Creek County ghost town, was at the foot of Gray's Peak, where Quayle Creek joins Clear Creek, and was named for the mountain.83

Greeley (15,995 population*), seat of Weld County. In 1859, while on a trip through the West, Horace Greeley was impressed with the agricultural possibilities of the country. Ten years later, Nathan C. Meeker, agricultural editor of Greeley's paper, the New York Tribnne, made a trip West; he conceived a plan to found a colony, and spoke of it to Greeley, who immediately began a pub­licity campaign through his paper. A meeting of prospective colo­nists was held December 23, 1869, at the Cooper Institute in New York City, the name Union Colony was adopted, and a committee was authorized to locate and buy a colony site. The committee

75Denver Rep11blican, February 20, 1890. 1•Georgetown Courier, June 5, 1879. 71Denver Daily Tribune, November 18, 1879. 7•Denver Times, December 31, 1896 . 70Informatlon to Colorado Writers' Project, December 15, 1940, from Albert

Gardner, Grand Valley, Colorado. 80Information to Colorado Writers' Project, December, 1940, from Edward

Collier, Regional Social Security Board, Denver, Colorado. 01Frank Hall, Histor!I of the State of Colorado, IV, 79-80. "History of the A.1·kansas Valley (0. L . Baskin & Company, Publisher), 486. 83Henry Gannett, The Origin of Certain Plcice Names in the United States

2nd. ed .. C\Vashington: Government Printing Office, 1905), 142. '

68 COLORADO MAGAZINE

selected this spot, and in 1870 some fifty families headed by Meeker reached the place. They named the settlement for Greeley, in grati­tude for his efforts.84 It was incorporated May 29, 1871. In 1874 it was made the seat of Weld County, an honor that it lost to Evans the next year; Greeley was made the permanent county seat in 1877.8 5

Green City, Weld County, first known as Greensboro,86 was founded in 1871 by the Southwestern Colony, and named for D. S. Green, president of the colony. In 1872 the colony was reorganized, Green was removed from its head, and the town was renamed Corona.8 7 The post office here was discontinued in 1879.88

Greenhorn (15 population), Pueblo County, was settled in 1859 by Alexander Hicklin, known as ''Zan'' Hicklin. The settlement was on Greenhorn Creek in what was then the Vigil and St. Vrain Land Grant of 1843-44. Greenhorn was always a scattered com­munity, rather than a town, and was never platted or incorporated. First known as Hicklin,89 its present name was derived from Green­horn Creek and nearby Greenhorn Mountain, both of which were named for Cueruo Verde (Sp. Greenhorn), a Comanche chief killed here early in 1779. 90

Green Knoll (7 population), Lincoln County, is locally known as "Down on Adobe." About 1885, the Santa Fe Railway surveyed a route through the ·region, and on the strength of a possible rail­way, a little town called Urbana sprang up. After the plan for the line was abandoned, the settlers left. In 1916, a rural post office was established here; C. N'. Henry was the first postmaster, and the office was named Green Knoll for the hill near his house. 91

G1·eenland (25 population), Douglas County, was founded in September, 1875, by Fred Z. Salomon. The name was suggested by Helen Hunt Jackson, writer and poetess, who was impressed by its verdant surroundings while passing through on the train.92

Green Mountain Falls ( 87 population*), El Paso and Teller counties, is named for a series of cascades cutting the side of near-by Green Mountain.93 It was incorporated Augnst 19, 1890.94

S4J. F. Willard, The Union Colony at Greeley, Colorado. suFrank Hall, History of the State of Colorado, I, 531-542. &•Rocky Mountain Directory and Colorado Gazetteer, 1871 (S. S. Walllhan &

Company, Compilers and Publishers, Denver, Colorado), 132. •1James F. Willard and Colin B. Goodykoontz, Experiments in Colorado Colo-

nization, 1869-1872, Introduction, xxxvl. 88Denver Tribune, January 3, 1897. 80Colorado Magazine, IV, 186-87. oo Ibid., VI, 81. •1Information from Jetter to Colorado Writers' Project, December 12, 1940.

from James D. and Edith M. Peyton, Arlington, Colorado. ""Information to Colorado Writers' Project, January 29, 1941, from Gertrude

Frank, Greenland, Colorado. roLetter to State Historical Society, May 28, 1935, from Lucile Dee Horton. ""'Gazetteer of Cities and Towns of Colora1lo," Year Book of the State of

Colorado, 1937-1938.

PLACE NAMES IN COLORADO (G)

Greenwood (30 population), Custer County. When a post of­fice was established here in 1872, it was named for Colonel William Greenwood, a construction engineer, who was active in getting the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad built into Canon City.95

Grey Creek, Las Animas County, was a coal-mining community, named for the stream beside it. The creek was named for James S. Grey, a pioneer in the valley, who claimed the land here. Many of the earliest settlers were Spanish, who called the place alternately Rita de Grey (Grey's Creek), and San Lorenzo (St. Lawrence), for their patron saint.96

Greystone (75 population), Moffat County, is in Brown'~ Hole, a former hiding place for cattle rustlers and "bad men." In 1921 Henry Kenealy, the first postmaster, named the place Greystone for the grey rocks in the vicinity.97

Grinnell, Las Animas County, was founded in a small valley near the New Mexico line. The place was first known (1866) as San ,Jose. In December, 1878, the post office was changed to Grin­nell, 98 for the maternal family name of Jerome Abbot, prominent stockman of the vicinity."9 'l'oclay nothing remains.

Grove1· (137 population''' ), Weld County. The first post office, called Chatoga, was a mile north of the present town. Grover was surveyed in 1888 by A. B. Smith for the Lincoln Land Company of Lincoln, Nebraska, and was named by :M:rs. Neal Donovan, pioneer settler, who gave it her maiden name.1°0

Grubbs (25 population), La Plata County, was named for its founder, Eugene Housel Grubb,101 prominent agriculturist and author of The Potato (1912), a volume on potato culture.102

Guadal1ipe, Conejos County, just across the Conejos River from present-day Conejos, was settled in 1854 by a group of colonists from New Mexico, and named in honor of ''Our Lady of Guada­lupe, " 103 patron saint of Mexico. The word Guadalupe is of Arabic origin: Guade-'' river,'' and lupe-' 'light.' '104 Guadalupe was at one time the county seat and principal town of Conejos County.105

95Information to State Historical Society in 1937, from Mrs. Georgianna Kettle and Ranger Roy Truman, San Isabel National Forest.

OODr. Michael Beshoar, All About Trinidad and Las Animas County, Colorado (Denver: Times Steam Printing House and Blank Book Manufactory, 1882), 47.

"'Information to Colorado Writers' Project in 1937, from George E. Holland, Greystone, Colorado.

98Denver Tribune. January 3, 1879. ""Dr. Michael Beshoar, All About Trinidad and Las Animas County, Colorado,

72. 100Greeley Tribune, January 18, 1912. 101Information from Mrs. Edna Tawney, Grand Junction, Colorado, field

writer, Colorado Writers' Project, 1937. 102who's Who in America, 1928-1929, XV, 920. 100La Jara Gazette, January, 1926. '"'Information to State Historical Society, March 3, 1940, from Father Fran­

cisco, St. Thomas Academy, Denver. ""'Rocky Mountain Dkectory and Colorado Gazetteer, 1871, 58.

70 COLORADO MAGAZINE

Guffy (26 population*), Park County, a small gold-mining camp, was first called Idaville, then Freshwater, and finally, Guffy, for J. K. Guffy, pioneer settler.1°6 It was incorporated in December, 1895; at that time it had a population of 500, and there were more than forty business places.1°7

Gttlnare (35 population ), Las Animas County, an agricultural community, was formerly known as Abeyton, but the post office w·as taken from the postmaster for some irregularity, and a new name was decided upon. A number of names were submitted to postal authorities in Washington; on the envelope in which these submis­sions were mailed was the picture of a blooded Holstein with her name ''Princess of Gulnare. '' The Post Office Department dis­carded the submitted names and selected Gulnare.108

Gimnison (2,177 population* ), Gunnison County, was first known as Richardson's Colony.100 In 1871, there had been a cow camp near the site, .for the care of cattle allotted to the Ute Indians. In 1879, Governor Evans and others organized the Gunnison Town Company; a survey was made in April, 1880, and a plat was filed the sam€ year. The place, on the Gunnison River, was named for Captain J. W. Gunnison , who, in l 853, led a surveying party through this section in search of a railroad route to the west coast. Gunnison and most of his company were slain by Ute Indians in Utah in the fall of the same year. 110

Giiston, Ouray County, a ghost town on the Silverton-Northern Railroad (now abandoned), ·was named for the Gnston Mine here. 111

Gypsum (245 population* ), Eagle County, was incorporated November 25, 1911.u 2 There was a community here before 1888.113

The place was named for the large deposits of gypsum found in the region.114

ADDITIONAL TOWNS ON WHICH MATERIAL IS LACKING

Gallup, Adams Co.; Gann, Douglas Co.; Garbareno, Montezuma Co.; Garbor City, Elbert Co.; Garcia, Las Animas Co.; Garden Rock Rest, Boulder Co.; Garnett, Alamosa Co.; Gary, Morgan Co.; Gashice, Grand Co.; Gaskill, Grand Co.; Gates, Weld Co.; Gate View, Gunnison Co.; Gato, Conejos (now Archuleta) Co.; Gato, Boulder Co.; Gear-

"'"Information to State Historical Society in 1935, from Mrs. M. R. O'Malia. Superintendent of Schools, Park County, Colorado.

107Denver Times, August 7, l 896. 168Information to State Historical Society, January 25, 1935, from Jess S.

Jones, Postmaster, Gulnare, Colorado. 11l9Sidney Jocknick, Eal'ly Days on the Western Slope of Colorado (Denver:

Carson-Harper Company, 1913), 310. u•colorado Jllagazine, IX, 177. =Information to Colorado Writers' Project in 1937, from L. R. Rist, Superin­

tendent, Uncompahgre National Fo>est. ="Gazetteer of Cities antl. Towns in Colorado," Year Book of the State of

Co lorado, 19J7-1938. mnenver Evening Times, September 25, l 8 8. mLetter to State Historical Society, January 1 , 1935, from Theodore Stemme,

Postmaster, Gypsum, Colorado.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ACROSS THE PLAINS DeLUXE IN 1865 71

heart, Weld Co.; Geary's Ranch, Weld Co.; Geddes (or Geddis), Doug­las Co.; Giegers, El Paso Co.; Gem (or Lubers). Bent Co.; Geneva, Clear Creek Co.; Gerard, El Paso Co.; Gerbazdale Ranch, Pitkin Co.; Giddings, Saguache Co.; Gillispie (Gillespie). Jefferson Co.; Gilmore, Conejos Co.; Gilpin, Bent Co.; Gilpin, Gilpin Co.; Gilson Gulch, Clear Creek Co.; Glaciers, Gunnison Co.; Glade, Douglas Co.; Glade!, San Miguel Co.; Gladwyn, Archuleta Co.; Glen, Washington Co.; Glen­brook, Fremont Co.; Glencliff, Chaffee Co.; Glencoe, Montezuma Co.; Glen Comfort, Larimer Co.; Glendale, Boulder Co.; Glendevey, Larimer Co.; Gleneath, El Paso Co.; Glen Echo, Larimer Co.; Glen Eden, Routt Co.; Glen Grove, Douglas Co.; Glen Haven, Lar:mer Co.; Glenisle, Park Co.; Glenmore Lakes, Jefferson Co.; Glenn, El Paso Co.; Glen Park, El Paso Co.; Glen Rock, Fremont Co.; Glenrulac, Garfield Co.; Glen Summit, Jefferson Co.; Glentivar, Park Co.; Glenwood, Summit Co . ; Glick, Weld Co.; Globe Hill, Teller Co.; Glovers, Larimer Co.; Goff, Kit Carson Co.; Golconda, Montezuma Co. ; Goldda Junction, Douglas Co.; Goldfield, Teller Co.; Gold Hill Station, Boulder Co.; Gold Run, Summit Co.; Gonora, Mesa Co.; Gonzales, Las Animas Co.; Good­ale, Prowers Co.; Goodrich, Morgan Co.; Goodspeed. El Paso Co.; Good­win, Huerfano Co.; Gophertown, Adams Co.; Gordon Junction, Huer­fano Co.; Gore, Grand Co.; Gorge, Fremont Co.; Gorham, Boulder Co.; Gossville, Clear Creek Co.; Gove, ·weld Co.; Gove town, Custer Co.; Gowanda, Weld Co.; Grabiola, Gunnison Co.; Graceland, Elbert Co.; Gradens, Montezuma Co.; Grady, Montezuma Co.; Graft, Baca Co.; Graham Park Junction, Lake Co.; Gramid, Garfield Co.; Grand Island, Boulder Co.; Grandview, Ouray Co.; Graneros, Pueblo Co. ; Granger, Bent Co.; Granger, Rio Grande Co.; Grant, Park Co.; Grant Junc­tion, Weld Co.; Granville, ? Co.; Grape, Fremont Co.; Grape Creek, Fremont Co.; Grassy Hill, San Juan Co.; Graveline, Summit Co.; Gravelton, Larimer Co.; Graves, Larimer Co.; Gray, El Paso Co.; Gray back Gulch, Costilla Co.; Gray!in, Logan Co.; Graymont, Clear Creek Co.; Grays, Chaffee Co.; Great Divide, Moffat Co.; Green, San Juan Co.; Green Canon, Gunnison Co.; Green Lake, Clear Creek Co.; Greenville, Las Animas Co. ; Grenfell, Larimer Co.; Gresham, Boulder Co.; Gresham, Garfield Co.; Greys, Chaffee Co.; Griffin, Morgan Co.; Griffith, Jefferson Co.; Grommet, La Plata Co.; Grote, Prowers Co.; Grousemount, Park Co.; Gulch, Pitkin Co.; Gulf Junc­tion, Pueblo Co.; Gunnison Junction, Chaffee Co.; Gurney, Yuma Co.; Guy Gulch, Jefferson Co.; Gwilliamvil!e (Gwillimville). El Paso Co.

Across the Plains DeLuxe in 1865 !~'RANCES CLELLAND PEABODY*

In 1865 my father was engaged in freighting-not exactly in the horse-and-buggy days, but in the oxen and covered-wagon days -and made three round trips a year from Atchison to DenYer. He transported all kinds of commodities and machinery to be used in the mines at Central City, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Golden, aud other towns. The business was hazardous and toilsome, requiring physical health as well as fearlessness in the face of danger. This being a time of much trouble with Indians, the travel to the West was beset with risk and only the bravest men and women were will-

*Mrs. Peabody, widow of the late James H. Peabody (Governor of Colorano, 1903-1905), presents an Interesting account of her trip across the plains.-Ed.

72 COLORADO MAGAZINE

ing to undertake the trip. The coach was often attacked and looted of money and valuables, and the people killed and mutilated. Cour­age was one of the greatest attributes one could have in making this vast country livable and in bringing the plains under cultivation.

My father was very enthusiastic over the beauty and climate of Colorado and thought it would be a benefit to my brother, then a lad of twelve and not very robust. And, seeing that it would not be many years until ox teams and covered wagons would give place to railroads, it was decided to move the family, consisting of my mother, brother, and me, to Denver. Thoughtful as he always was of my mother, my father had a "prairie schooner," as the big wag­ons were called, fitted up with all the "conveniences" of the day. Many household goods, such as carpets, featherbeds, blankets, and comforters, made a soft foundation for sitting, lying, and sleeping during the long and tiresome journey. Six weeks was the schedule.

Much of our furniture was stowed carefully away in another wagon, for although my father often said that many necessities could be found in Denver, my mother clung to familiar things. A little rocking chair was kept within easy reach to ease cramped limbs after a hard day's travel. Though it sounds like a fairy story, I have a picture in my mind of my mother sitting in that chair in the midst of the endless plains when we stopped for the night. We began our journey about the middle of June, when Kansas was green and beautiful, and during the first part of the trip I remember the wild flowers all around us-grass, flowers, and sunshine.

I was a little girl of "four, going on five." Many of the inci­dents and experiences of the journey are preserved only by what my mother told me, but minor things you wouldn't expect a child would remember are still fresh in my mhid-the creaking and jolting of the wagon, the straining of the oxen over rough places, the odor of the dust and sweat of the oxen, the crack of the long bullsnake whip as the teamster urged them on, the clanking of the big heavy chains when needed to keep the wheels from running over the oxen on bouncing over a steep place. All these things are quite clear in my mind today. My father rode at the head of the caravan, searching the horizon for enemies and selecting a place where there was grasR and water for the cattle and a good camping ground. His rifle was across his saddle in front of him, his pistol in its holster at his side. My brother often rode a pony beside him and great were the stories he would tell me of the Indians he had seen and the snakes his pony had almost stepped on. Many were true and others, boyish exag­gerations. I feel sure my hair stood on end with fright, though I loved to hear him. He was always a dear brother to me.

Our train was purely commercial . Mv mother was the only

ACROSS THE PLAINS DeLUXE IN 1865 73

woman on the trip, with the exception of a young girl, who was fading away with tuberculosis. Her father was a minister and had agreed to drive team, both he and his son, a boy of sixteen, if he could attach their wagon to the train and could have a bed in it for his daughter. He felt so sure the sunshine of Colorado would bring health and happiness to her again. She lay in her bed all day with no one but her father and my mother to minister to her wants, always hopeful and thinking of the land to the west where she could see the beautiful golden sunsets. This happiness was never to be hers, for one mornin_g my mother was called as our train was getting under way. A stop was then made and a rude bed prepared while a little grave was dug at the side of the trail. The father read the burial service, and the wind and the prairie grass sang the requiem hymn. The rest of the clay was given to covering any visible sign of the grave and to duties around the camp, and to seeing that the canvas wagon-tops were in good condition, the wheels, wagon tongues, chains, etc., were in readiness to stand the strain of a longer clay's travel than usual.

I was a child who "·as used to having my wishes regarded, so as I looked over the vast expanse of barren country before me, I won­dered where and how I should have a birthday present, as my birth­day was approaching. I have no doubt my dear mother wondered also. Mothers always find a way, and I was told that before many days we would come to some kind of a store where there would be gifts a little girl would enjoy. Having my fears allayed, I knew my mother, who had never failed me, could be relied on now and I was happy in anticipation. I was rewarded with a doll, bought at what was called a "sutler's store" in the little village of Marysville, Kan­sas. The doll was immediately named l\Iary. This doll gave me the greatest pleasure and also was a rest for my mother. Instead of gazing on nothing but expanse of monotonous country, her eyes and fingers were now busy making clothes for my doll. The material was calico, now known as print, made up in the style of that day, with a full skirt gathered into a very tiny waist, round low neck, and short puffed sleeves.

This leads me to what my mother and I wore. Sunbonnets were the only head covering at all appropriate for that long trip, and I had a very pretty blue chambray quilted one. I cannot visualize my mother in a sunbonnet. Yet I feel sure she must have worn one, as she was very careful of her pink and white complexion. This was still beautiful when she poured tea at her ninetieth birthday party. We both had bonnets made of straw and called ''shakers,'' to put on when we came to a village-a sort of poke bonnet. It was a bonnet with a veil attached, which could be thrown back or down over the face at pleasure. There was ruching of the veiling around the brim

74 COLORADO MAGAZINE

or front, and a little curtain at the back to keep tbe neck from burn­ing. My mother's was cream-colored straw with brown trimming, and mine the same with blue. My dress was blue gingham, made much as the one for my doll, with a bolero jacket to keep my neck and arms from sunburn. My mother wore a kind of goods called alpaca, of a brownish grey, ·which needed no washing and would not hold the dust. Af3 she was always partial to brown, I think it must have been that color, made with a plain waist, and a full skirt sewed to the waist with a cord much as they are made today.

Some things were extremely vivid. I remember what seemed to me the highest mountain in the world. Vv e 'rnre about to descend. A stop was made while everything was inspected to see that nothing needed repairing. As I looked around I saw a "river" at the foot of the mountain. There are, of course, no mountains between Kan­sas and Denver. There was a river, a very wide one. I wanted to get out and walk. I was told to sit perfectly still. Down we went as fast as oxen can travel and into the stream. My eyes were shut tight. Almost before I knew it, '"e came out safely at the other side.

Indians often approached the train and demanded food of dif­ferent kinds, salt pork and hardtack, of which they were extremely fond. We never were seriously detained. The length of our train and the firm determination in my father 's face , with the men around us, made the Indians stop aud think it over. The government had outposts stationed at intervals along the trail, usually commanded by a major of United States Cavalry. The cavalry did its bit, and that a big one, in the ''winning of the West.' '

Someone has asked me how a child of four years amused herself all day when she was scarcely permitted to show her face in the wagon, much less run around and play. What was there for her to eat, with no milk¥ How take a bath ? I can only reply that my food was the same my mother had, hard bread, salt pork, and dried apples for dessert, and perhaps tea and coffee. There was no milk. I don't believe I missed it, for I never did care for milk. Our appetites were often delighted with prairie chickens, grouse, quail, or sage hens. Wild fowl abounded. Th e cook had his own way of preparing them. This work was not don e by my mother. as our meals were cooked for us by tbe camp cook and served on a tin plate. The wagon tongue was our table. Sometimes we encounter ed a rainstorm, when no food could be prepared. and then dry crackers and ' 'jerked beef ' ' -not so dainty as the chipped beef we have today but good enough to satisfy hunger-was served. It must have met all requirements, as I never was ill, and if our table wasn 't so good one day, it might be better the next. I had a bath whenewr we came to a creek or river suitable for that purpose.

ACROSS THE PLAINS DeLUXE IN 1865 75

My amusement consisted in sitting close to my mother while she told me stories of her home beyond the sea. She had a sweet voice and sang to me the old songs that she loved, ''Annie Laurie,'' ''Flow Gently, Sweet Afton,'' ''The Last Rose of Summer'' and melodies of her native Scotland.

So the days passed "·hile the huge wagon bounced over rough places and the dust covered everything. There were dust storms such that the oxen would often have to stop, I thought to get their breath. It was thought that as the ground was cultivated, dust storms would disappear. They have to a great degree. But the early settlers took storms as they did everything else, as something belong­ing to the country and to be endured, while they pushed steadily on. One day I remember a terrific storm, rain and wind. The dry gulches became raging torrents and we were obliged to stop until the storm ceased and the water receded. To me it seemed grand and creepy to hear the rain and to have all openings in the canvas closed se­curely. However, a storm of that kind on a vast prairie is something to make one's heart beat faster.

In the evening when camp was made, sometimes my brother and I would pick flowers and have a game of tag, but we must keep close to the camp. And such pleasure was only when my father felt we were not in ''Indian country.''

Often a man with his family and other relatives or friends joined our caravan. Small outfits were held by the officers of the posts, which were scattered at several places along the trail where Indians were most troublesome, until one of the big wagon trains came. Freight was hauled for much profit and the expression, "as rich as a freighter," was often heard. Business of that kind de­manded high prices, the dangers being so great. While my father never was "rich," certainly not as we think of wealth today, yet we always had plenty for our needs and many of the luxuries of that time, and there was always something for the "stranger within the gates."

I can remember seeing a great herd of buffalo at rather close range, running as though they would soon be upon us. Rifle shots changed their course and a cloud of dust soon hid them from our view. That was one of the most fearsome sights of the trip to me. Another sight, more pleasant, was a herd of antelope that were brave enough to stop quite near. I could see their beautiful trusting eyes and admire their graceful forms. When, one evening, we were served antelope steak, I refused it and thought only of the lovely wild things. '

When we were in a very dangerous part of our route two wag­ons filled with families joined us. They had been held at a military

76 COLORADO MAGAZINE

post until my father's train should come. They were told to travel with our train until a certain point was reached. They journeyed with us for some days but, thinking all was safe, they left us. They had horses and wanted to go faster. My father tried to have them stay. Whether they were killed or what happened to them my father never knew, but we passed their camp and saw the remains of a wagon which seemed to tell a tragic story.

My father was called ''captain'' or ''boss'' by the men and was a leader and helper to them, giving medicine, bandaging wounds, settling disputes, and being a counsellor and friend. Many of these men were going West in search of adventure or for a hope of the gold that was supposed to lie on top of the ground. Others were hardened, faithful ''plainsmen,'' one especially who drove our wagon, walking beside the oxen. He had made many trips with my father and he would have gone through fire and water, if necessary, for him. We had no startling escapes from the Indians, but lum­bered on through sandstorms and rainstorms, the intense heat dur­ing the day, the jolting of the wagon hard to endure. The fear of being surprised in the night by the Indians kept not only the sentry but my dear mother on watch. My tired father slept as soundly as if in his own comfortable bed.

On and on, six long, tiresome weeks, until one morning my father said, "You must be on the lookout, for the mountains will soon be in sight.'' At last they rose before our eyes, grand and majestic as they are today. From Long's Peak on the north to Pike's Peak in the south, we saw the Snowy Range. " Denver, beau­tiful Denver, our home at last," I can hear my mother say. Though only a little plains town, she was happily surprised. Friends met us with a carriage at Sand Creek and drove my mother and me into Denver, where we spent the night at the Broadwell Hotel.

My father and brother stayed with the train, coming in the next day with our household goods. We were soon at home in a neat little brick house of five rooms on Curtis Street which my father had bought for us on his previous trip. My mother could stand at our front gate and watch me down to Blake Street, which was the mar­ket section in that day. But my story is not about Denver, but how I got there. Colorado has been my home ever since that 21st day in August, 1865, when my mother said she was ''agreeably surprised.''

I am no more "four going on five" but seventy-nine going on . eighty, and I love Denver more than anyone could who has not seen it grow from a hamlet to the beautiful city it is today.